Scenic Paper, The Colonnade, 1937–42

What is this?

"Colonnade" illustrates a woodland scene containing a variety of trees, a lake and distant mountains. Architectural monuments include a colonnade and other classically inspired structures, stone balustrades, patios and a fountain. Screen printed with 4 shades of green, gray and white, with airbrushed black accents, on a blue ground. This is a full set of six panels.

Why is this in our collection?

Colonnade is a good example of a mid-20th-century scenic wallpaper. Designed in the historic style, it contains a classic landscape scene with architectural monuments placed throughout. This paper was produced by the George J. Hunken Company, which operated from 1912 to 1956 in Brooklyn, New York. Hunken produced a wide range of scenic papers as well as repeating patterns, and began printing scenics as early as 1931. One characteristic feature of Hunken papers is the combination of screenprinting with airbrushing. This unusual and rare combination of techniques was used on many—if not all—of the Hunken scenics.
Manufacturers began screenprinting wallpaper around 1930. It has since become a major... more

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